<p>They were freed near Batia forest in the district, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) S.K. Bhardawaj told IANS over phone.<br /><br />He said the release was a result of combing operations by the police.<br /><br />"The Maoists were compelled to release them," he said.<br /><br />They were abducted early Tuesday at Balthara village in Jamui, about 200 km from Patna, when over three dozen armed guerrillas stormed the office of a private construction company.<br /><br />Police suspect the workers were kidnapped as the company refused to pay "protection money" to the rebels.<br /><br />Jamui is considered to be a Maoist stronghold.</p>
<p>They were freed near Batia forest in the district, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) S.K. Bhardawaj told IANS over phone.<br /><br />He said the release was a result of combing operations by the police.<br /><br />"The Maoists were compelled to release them," he said.<br /><br />They were abducted early Tuesday at Balthara village in Jamui, about 200 km from Patna, when over three dozen armed guerrillas stormed the office of a private construction company.<br /><br />Police suspect the workers were kidnapped as the company refused to pay "protection money" to the rebels.<br /><br />Jamui is considered to be a Maoist stronghold.</p>